Dolmenwood Factions #14: House Ramius
Lord Shadgore Ramius is a wise and respected leader, but his neighbors seek to remove him from power. As he vies for control of the High Wold, he must carefully execute his strategies to secure the barony.
📌 This series explores the Dolmenwood Factions and how to utilize them with a Faction Turn Framework!
Goals
Determined to claim the Barony of the High Wold1, Lord Ramius seeks to secure his position. Frustrated by Baron Hogwarsh's incompetence and his scheming half-brother, Lord Malbleat, he seeks Duke Brackenwold's support to secure the Barony peacefully. However, he's prepared for war if necessary.
✱ Info
Faction goals follow the Landmark, Hidden, Secret principle to determine what information outsiders have.- 🐵 Keep Lord Malbleat in Check: Family can be the greatest obstacle.
- 🙈 Reinforce Military with Fairy Powers: A risky gamble, but it might pay off.
- 🙊 Claim the Barony of the High Wold: Preferably for himself, but a family member will suffice.
- Gain favor with Duke Brackenwold.
- Establish policies that boost his popularity in the High Wold.
- Remove Baron Hogwarsh and position himself as the rightful successor.
Resources
House Ramius boasts resources that mirror Lord Shadgore's strategic achievements and ambitions. His well-trained military complements his tactical brilliance, and his reputation as a wise ruler5 has earned him widespread respect, including from Duke Brackenwold. Many in his former domain remain loyal, longing for his return.
Lord Ramius' resources and influence allow him to use Lord Nodlock as a pawn, keeping his hands clean while advancing his broader goals.
- A Strong Standing Army6: Rivaled only by the Baron and the Duke.
- Protect and maintain control of Ramius' lands.
- Deter aggression from rivals through a display of power.
- Lead military campaigns as necessary.
- Political Influence and Respect: Lord Ramius' reputation precedes him.
- Significant sway in political matters within and beyond the High Wold.
- His reputation as a brilliant tactician makes rivals hesitant to challenge him.
- Leverage in negotiations with nobles and factions.
- Loyalist Support in Former Domain7: Old loyalties run deep.
- Provide valuable intelligence on House Malbleat's activities.
- Sway public opinion in favor of House Ramius.
- Offer underground support for military campaigns and sabotage.
- Lord Nodlock, the Puppet8: Annoying, but undeniably useful.
- Provides additional manpower and resources.
- Acts as a political proxy, allowing Ramius to maneuver indirectly.
- Serves as a buffer against threats from House Murkin.
Actions
Strengthening ties with House Brackenwold and showcasing the issues in the High Wold is central to Lord Ramius' strategy. The Duke hasn't visited in over a decade, so Ramius plans to invite him for a seasonal retreat to build a relationship and secure favor. The mission is delicate, with an uncertain outcome.
At the same time, loyalists in Lankshorn are being readied for potential uprisings9, while capturing the Bicorne remains a key military goal, promising a significant advantage.
✱ Info
For more details on Missions and Tasks, see Faction Turns. Remember, only three active actions should be maintained at any time.- 📔 Host a Seasonal Retreat for House Brackenwold:
- 🕵️ Nannigrew Ramius
- 📝 Prepare Castle Everdusk to host the Duke and his family.
- 📝 Plan events to highlight the challenges in the High Wold.
- 📝 Send a formal invitation to Castle Brackenwold.
Nannigrew Ramius
A striking longhorn woman with a commanding presence. Her dark, glossy fur is meticulously groomed, and her spiraled horns are polished to perfection. She excels in navigating the subtleties of social politics, making her the ideal choice to manage relations between House Ramius and House Brackenwold. She maintains a casual correspondence with Duchess Ophelia (DCB p59), stemming from a past friendship with the Duchess's eldest daughter, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
- Demeanour (Neutral): Sharp, ambitious, and impeccably controlled. Skilled in knowing when to charm, manipulate, or strike.
- Speech: Polished and steady, never betraying her emotions even under pressure. Woldish, Old Woldish, Gaffe, Caprice.
- Desires: To gain influence not just in her family but among Dolmenwood's elite. To prove herself as a force in her own right, independent of her father.
- 📔 Support Loyalists in Lankshorn for an Uprising:
- 🕵️ Olligore Ramius
- 📝 Assess the town's current political climate.
- 📝 Provide funds for supplies and weapons.
- 📝 Train loyalists in sabotage and resistance tactics.
Olligore Ramius
A tall, gaunt longhorn man with spiraled horns dulled by neglect and patchy dark-brown fur. His anxious, restless appearance reflects his constant struggle to prove himself. Despite sincere intentions, Olligore frequently sabotages his efforts due to insecurity, which has led to several failed operations. After being passed over as heir in favor of his sister, Berryld Ramius (DCB p233), Olligore spiraled into substance abuse. Now sober, he seeks redemption, working undercover in Lankshorn to support the loyalists.
- Demeanour (Neutral): Driven and intense yet insecure, often sabotaging his own efforts with erratic behavior.
- Speech: A mix of confidence and self-doubt, frequently justifying his decisions. Woldish, Old Woldish, Gaffe, Caprice.
- Desires: To prove his worth to his father. To undermine his sister Berryld whom he views as a rival for the family legacy. To orchestrate a major victory for the loyalists in Lankshorn.
- 📔 Make Another Attempt to Capture the Bicorne:
Hrannid Ramius
A lean longhorn man with an awkward posture. His spiraled horns are well-maintained, but his patchy fur hints at neglect. Dressed in rich yet outdated clothing, Hrannid stands out in the family for his grand ideals but lacks the political savvy of his siblings. His delusions of grandeur often make him more of an embarrassment than an asset. Though ill-suited for the task, he has taken on capturing the Bicorne as a way to cement his legacy, focusing on spectacle while delegating the actual work to others.
- Demeanour (Neutral): Affable but detached, with a lofty sense of self-importance that borders on delusion. Often out of touch with reality.
- Speech: Overly formal and rehearsed, as though constantly delivering a speech. Woldish, Old Woldish, Gaffe, Caprice.
- Desires: To immortalize himself as a great figure in House Ramius' history. To marry Harryp (DCB p232), a shorthorn woman and proprietor of the Mannish Miser in Galblight.
Further Thoughts
Lord Ramius is a careful strategist, always planning for multiple outcomes. One key tactic is provoking the Drune to act against House Malbleat by staging false-flag operations or manipulating figures like Windore Hoblewort12. This forces Malbleat to divide attention between defense and the Drune, creating exploitable vulnerabilities.
The loyalists in Lankshorn will likely act when House Malbleat shows aggression or the Drune plan succeeds. Ideally, Ramius could step in as a "savior," boosting his reputation. Even if Malbleat prevails, the conflict would leave them weakened, giving Ramius future opportunities.
If Lord Nodlock falters, particularly under pressure from House Murkin13, Ramius may need to intervene directly. Should attempts to manipulate Red Gwen14 fail, direct negotiations with Lady Borrid15 could become necessary.
Capturing the Bicorne would be a significant military victory, inspiring further hunts for fairy creatures like the Frore Gryphus. Exploring Castle Everdusk's ice caverns16 could also uncover new magical creatures.
Ramius might seek alliances with Fairy Nobles like Duke Mai-Fleur via the Lethean Door17, or approach the Earl of Yellow or Queen Abyssinia through the Fairy Road at Skipping-A-Derry18. Though riskier, these alliances could shift the balance in his favor.
In a worst-case scenario, Ramius could consider a desperate marriage alliance between his daughter Berryld and Baron Hogwarsh1, despite resistance from both parties19. If all else fails, aligning with the Cold Prince might secure control of the High Wold in exchange for supporting the Frost Elves' return.
Potential Alliances
House Ramius has several possible alliances, though each comes with its own challenges and risks:
- House Brackenwold: The Duke is the most valuable ally. If Ramius convinces him that the High Wold is in decline, he may gain his support. However, the Duke knows that backing Ramius could spark a civil war, so Ramius must prove he's the best option for stability.
- House Hogwarsh: If the Duke doesn't support him, Ramius may turn to Baron Hogwarsh. This is difficult since Malbleat already holds the Baron's favor. A desperate Ramius might offer his daughter Berryld in marriage, though both parties would resist, causing internal strife.
- House Nodlock: Currently a puppet of House Ramius, Lord Nodlock provides resources and political cover. If Nodlock escapes Ramius' control, perhaps by finding a stronger heir, they could still collaborate on more equal terms.
- House Malbleat: Should Shadgore fall, Lady Berryld might ally with her uncle, Lord Malbleat. This would be temporary, as her goal is to access his library19. Once achieved, conflict between the two houses would likely resume.
- Fairy Nobles: An alliance with a Fairy Noble like Duke Mai-Fleur, the Earl of Yellow, or Queen Abyssinia could boost Ramius' power. However, dealing with Fairy Nobles comes with a high cost and requires careful negotiation.
- The Cold Prince: If desperate, Ramius might align with the Cold Prince. He could pledge his people to the Frost Elves in exchange for support. This would be a last resort, as the alliance could bring dangerous consequences for both House Ramius and the High Wold.
Example
In my campaign, House Ramius had a moderate start. Their main focus is gaining House Brackenwold's favor, crucial for securing the Barony. Strategically, the Duke's support is key to their long-term goals. Meanwhile, their attempt to capture the elusive Bicorne has hit snags. Hrannid's lack of concrete plans may be causing recruitment issues, or the right people are simply too rare. Either way, the hunt for the Bicorne is off to a slow start.
Despite these challenges, compared to other factions in the High Wold, House Ramius is holding steady for now.
Conclusion
House Ramius stands as a powerful force in the High Wold, led by the ambitious and strategic Lord Shadgore Ramius. While his goal is to claim the Barony without triggering civil war, rivalries with neighboring houses like Malbleat and Hogwarsh may force him into conflict.
It will be fascinating to see how House Ramius evolves. Can they achieve their ambitious goals? How would the High Wold change if Lord Ramius takes leadership? What would become of the house if Shadgore were removed from play? And what might unfold if he turns to the Cold Prince to aid in his return?
This concludes the High Wold factions. Next time we take a look at the secretive Witches!
References
Lord Shadgore Ramius: Desires—DCB p65↩
Hex 0708: The Hamlet of Shagsend: Lost/encounters—DCB p267↩
Hex 0510: The Lair of the Bicorne—DCB p245↩
Hex 0105: The Desmesne of the Frore Gryphus—DCB p194↩
Lord Shadgore Ramius: Demeanour—DCB p65↩
Lord Shadgore Ramius: Servants—DCB p65↩
Hex 0910: The Jaunty Horn (Inn)—DCB p293↩
Human Nobility: Lord Nodlock, Lackey of Lord Ramius—DCB p56↩
Lankshorn: Unrest Brewing—DCB p156↩
Hex 0412: Fannigrew Lockelope—DCB p235↩
Armour and Weapons: Cold Iron Weapons—DPB p119↩
Hex 0708: Windore Hoblewort—DCB p267↩
Longhorn Nobility: Lord Murkin's Aggressions—DCB p62↩
Hex 0311: Red Gwen—DCB p222↩
Hex 0109: Lady Amone Borrid—DCB p198↩
Hex 0410: Inside the Keep—DCB p233↩
Hex 0209: The Lethean Door (Hidden)—DCB p209↩
Fairy Roads: Skipping-A-Derry—DCB p29↩
Hex 0410: Lady Berryld Ramius: Desires—DCB p233↩